Complex post-traumatic stress disorder: modern approaches towards definition of the concept, etiology, diagnostics, and psychotherapy

Abstract

The goal of this article is to summarize and systematize the works of foreign researchers dedicated to psychotherapy of the complex post-traumatic stress disorder. For achieving the set goal, the author carries out a theoretical review of foreign literature on the topic, as well as the analysis of recent foreign research and their summary. Modern living conditions led to increase in the number of people with complex post-traumatic stress disorder, which actualized the problem of seeking effective psychological aid and psychotherapy for this category of people. The author reveals several scientifically proven effective methods of non-pharmaceutical treatment of complex post-traumatic stress disorder, including cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, as well as body-oriented therapy and art therapy, which are equally as effective. It is determined that currently that the number one treatment for complex post-traumatic stress disorder is the phase trauma-oriented approach that includes creation of safe environment, stabilization, and mitigation of symptoms; confrontation, analysis and integration of traumatic memories; integration of mental trauma experience, and rehabilitation of the consequences of complex post-traumatic stress disorder. The combination of individual and group work that produces most effective results in therapy is relevant in dealing with complex post-traumatic stress disorder.